Benedicte Duval, general manager of Air France-KLM UK & Ireland stated: “Demand for efficient, seamless and convenient travel from the south of Ireland continues to grow and we are delighted to be in a position to offer both business and leisure passengers in the region even greater choice and connectivity.

"The new service not only links Cork to the French capital and the rest of Europe, but it provides passengers with the opportunity to connect to our extensive network of over 180 exciting worldwide destinations.

“We look forward to welcoming new and returning passengers on board Air France in the coming months.”

Welcoming the new route, Niall MacCarthy, managing director at Cork Airport said: “This is great news, not only for those seeking to travel to France, but also for those wishing to venture further afield.

"By flying out of Cork Airport with Air France, travellers will have easy access to many long-haul destinations from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, such as Brazil, Mauritius, Mexico and Algeria as well as easy short-haul connections to Nice, Brussels, Rome and Lisbon.”

The 1h 50mins flight will depart Cork Airport daily at 4.30pm and arrive at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 7.20pm (local time).

The return leg departs Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 2.55pm (local time) and arrives at Cork at 3.50pm.

Mr MacCarthy added that Cork Airport’s business strategy for 2018 is focused on growing airlines, routes and connections from Cork.

“The new Air France Paris route serves this aim. Ireland is ranked as the fourth most popular destination with the French and the new service from Cork will further grow inbound tourism from this key continental market to counties across the south of Ireland,” he said.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “This is more good news for tourism to Cork and the south of Ireland as we prepare for 2018.

"It will certainly expand travel options for French holidaymakers wishing to visit this part of Ireland. We already work very closely with Air France and we look forward to co-operating with them to maximise the promotion of this new service from Paris.

"As an island, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated – they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism.”